This is a historical study of preschool nationally and partly internationally with a focus on elucidating the development of quality elements. The study will trace the beginnings of perkindergaten and how the programs have evolved to their current state. The study contains a look at the current state of prekindergarten programs within the United States and how the differing states are measuring their programs. The use of the word quality is examined as it relates to how programs are designed and implemented. The study will also examine several different states that have been acknowledged as the front runners in prekindergarten education services. The international perspective includes at look at several different countries and how they have implemented their early childhood programs. This is section looks at some of their standards for their programs and the requirements for their teachers. The final part of the study draws conclusions as to how to best proceed when making polices for prekindergarten programs in the United States taking into account the many perspectives.